It is often difficult to know your limits (or at least stay within them). When starting a business or new project it is no different. Saying yes to everything, responding to everyone within a few minutes so you get more sales seems tempting. All this does is push you to exhaustion. You do not need to burn out for your business/project to be successful!
You want to please everyone, sort things instantly and still maintain an active social calendar. This is a very tricky path to follow whilst also meeting your own needs. A lot of people find the word ‘no’ a challenge. Please know that you do not have to say yes to everything for people to love you. You are never going to be able to please everyone, and that’s ok. Know your limits, and make sure you keep them in check.
The pressure of perfection
We are all put under a lot of pressure to be able to juggle everything in life without dropping something. However, we are not superhuman. We all need rest, time to recharge and to not be made to feel guilty for our choices or priorities. No one is able to do everything to the best of their ability, all of the time. Something will always have to take precedent. Prioritising tasks is paramount. Choosing the things to sacrifice is down to your decisions. Find your own balance, know your limits and don’t compare your successes to other people’s.
Make time for yourself. Set up routines. Create a timetable – one that you then actually stick to. Separate work time from personal time, time with family and friends and recharging time. Ask for help when you need it. Use the skills of those around you.
Every person needs time to recharge, time to themselves and time away. It’s also a good idea to make sure you schedule in time to meet up or check in with your support network. Whether it is a weekend away with your nearest and dearest, a coffee break, brunch date, spa day, a day trip with your family or a month-long holiday to another country.
Boundaries
As well as knowing your limits in regards to how much you can take on, establishing boundaries is also highly important. Making sure that those around you know your limits and respect them. It may be difficult for some of your friends and family. You may have to miss birthdays and other celebrations. There might be some else to prioritise within your business. You may not have the energy when the scheduled meet up arrives.
Those who understand the importance of self care, boundaries and your journey to self improvement are most likely to understand your needs and boundaries. Others may not be so understanding. Know your limits, know your worth. Be patient, be kind. Have faith in yourself and maintain your boundaries. Stay strong and stay focused on your goals. Most importantly remember your reason why and visualise it daily.
There will be lots of challenges along the way of any journey, but with a strong why and the determination to succeed you can do anything.
Are you considering going into self employment but have no idea where/how to start? Below are some self employment tips for you. Where to start, what to do for the initial set up, useful tools etc that can save you time and money.
During this global pandemic a lot of people are rethinking their values, priorities and work/life aspirations.
For me the first thing you need to do is work out if you will be able to be self employed. It is a huge change from working for others no matter what roles you have done previously. As much as there are lots of benefits to working for yourself, there is also a lot of other responsibilities and things you will need to consider before going 100% self employed.
Self employment tips
A good way to start is to begin your self employment journey as a ‘side hustle’. Start your new business idea while you have another job. It’s a good way to see if you’d be happy being full time self employed, start to grow your network and start analysing what works and what doesn’t.
Once you have decided what your business is going to be, choose a name. Searching for domain names that are available can help to narrow down your choices. Speak to friends and family who you trust to give you constructive feedback on your business ideas. As long as it’s not just shooting them down! If you have a techy friend who can help you out with the online side of things that’s even better.
No matter what your new business, whether it be selling products, services, blogging etc, there are a few things that are good to start you off. Now you have a company name, domain name and a determination to become self employed, here are my 5 self employment tips to keep you on the right track:
1 – Create a website
There are lots of sites you can do this on even if you have no tech knowledge, they will guide you through step by step. WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Godaddy etc etc etc
You do not have to launch your website straight away or share the link with others. Play around with themes, design your logo, choose your menu categories. Make is as user friendly as possible. Subcategories can make searching the website so much easier but make sure you keep them updated.
Don’t feel pressured to get it out into the world straight away. Launch when you feel it is ready. However, don’t procrastinate, overthink or strive for perfection, it will only delay your business taking off.
2 – Social media
You do not need to be on every platform!
Think about the business you are selling. Where would it best fit? Is it something visual? Instagram or Pinterest may be a good starting point. Are you looking to create a community, or to get reviews on your services? Look into Facebook and similar platforms. There are lots of options for social media; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, Snapchat and many MANY more. Choose the one/s most suited to your business, values and goals.
Once you’ve decided, look into the rules of the platform. Read up on what you can and can’t do. Take note of how other businesses interact on it, follow those that inspire you or who you could collaborate with in future. Start building your network.
3 – Get creative
Create a business strategy, goals, budgets and a social media strategy. There are apps available to help you with these as well, most including a free trial too which gives you the chance to try things out before you pay out. Apps like Hootsuite, Later, Facebook Business Suite, Canva, Adobe apps inc Photoshop, Evernote and Trello can be extremely helpful for creating and scheduling content and strategy planning. Find the one/s that you like the most and has the functions most useful to you and that fits into your budget.
Make the items to sell, take photos for social media, create business cards, leaflets and other traditional marketing elements you think will be necessary.
4 – Networking and Marketing
Spread the word of your business to your friends, family, co-workers and others you connect with regularly. Get them to pass the information onto their circles. Guide them toward you stunning new website and social media channel/s.
Join groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit, Twitch for advice from those who are already doing what you aim to do. Go out and find your tribe, in person or online. You’ll be surprised how many new people you can connect with.
5 – HMRC for self employment tips
Research into all the extra things self employed individuals have to do e.g. tax returns. What you have to declare, when are the cut offs, who can help. Research into the amount you can earn before you have to declare yourself as self employed. Also, make note of all your business incomings and outgoings in advance so you are not caught out when you are earning enough money from your business. There are also apps out there that can help with the accounting side of things for your business. Quickbooks, Expensify, or you could create a Excel spreadsheet.
Obviously there is a lot more to becoming self employed. Each type of business requires different elements too. These are just my top 5 self employment tips of where to start. You decide where to go from here. If you feel like you are struggling, reach out.
There are apps for pretty much everything (I have not be endorsed by any of the ones mentioned I have just heard good things about them or used them myself). There’s also probably a blog or YouTube video to tell you about each one. Find people who are self employed and/or who understand your struggles and talk. Starting a business is a huge step, even more so if you feel like you’re on your own. It takes a lot of courage and it can be extremely stressful. Make sure you have a support network you can go to whenever you need a boost, some advice or just to rant.
I hope this helps you to get a few steps closer to living your dreams.
Now that I have moved to London and have started making this flat our home, my home office dreams are so close to coming true. My excitement for finally being able to have a home office has meant lots of Pinterest searches and looking at various websites. I have started a check list of my most important elements of home office so thought I would share it with you:
Layout
Firstly I would love it if I could have a home office with a lot of natural light. Ideally a room with a large window, good air circulation and room for making the space my own. My partner works from home a lot of the time and we may end up sharing the room. More reasons to be able to make at least my home office section ‘mine’.
Laptop vs pc
Desktop vs Laptop
The laptop I currently have is the one that got me through uni. I graduated in 2012… During university laptops were easier. Carting them about between home, revision sessions, mates houses, the library and lectures (or to use in the breaks in between). Now I am looking at setting up a home office though, I think a ‘proper’ computer setup might make more sense.
Luckily my partner is very techy so I know I can ask him about all things computers. In fact he recently bought a new setup for himself as he needed the higher specs. If I’m cheeky enough maybe I can nab some of his old elements. I could then just gradually upgrade if and when I need to. That’s a good idea actually…
This for me is the most important thing. My back hasn’t been in great shape for a while, but working from home during covid has made it worse. As WFH was sprung on us quite quickly and we weren’t sure how long it would last I decided not to invest in an office chair. Regretting that decision now. Sitting on dining chairs, my bed or on our sofas has not been kind to my spine.
I would love a desk chair with a tall back, adjustable height and angle. A bonus would be if it already had the additional lumbar support but as you can get cushions for this purpose I could always add that later on anyway.
To go with the seat I would also like to get a foot rest so that I can make sure I am always sat in the best position for my back. With the exercises and other things I am starting to put into place I am hoping to counteract most of the unhealthy habits I have had over the last decade or so.
Desk
For the desk I would like something quite basic, as I am planning to have the chair as an investment piece I will be looking for bargains for the rest of the set up unless one really catches my eye. I like the idea of one that sort of engulfs the chair, the corner and U-shaped desks. If I have to have a standard rectangular table though I will not be disheartened.
I prefer to have a clean desk at the start and end of each work day as this seems to help with my mental health as well as organisation. Having a few drawers under the table would be super helpful for this.
My Home Office Stationery
I absolutely love stationery! I used to get so excited when a new school year started because I always bought a brand new pencil case, set of pens and so many other little bits to set me up for the year.
Setting up a home office is another great excuse to buy a matching set of stationery. I will also purchase storage sets to make the desk look beautiful. Having somewhere to tidy away my pens, post its and other bits and bobs would be extremely helpful. A tiered tray to sort through the majority of the paperwork into important, urgent and other would be great too.
The end goal is to make my home office space something even The Home Edit team would be proud of. I have been searching on Pinterest for desk ideas and I am so excited about making a home office and finally having my own creative space.
Decorations
The final step is to make the space feel like me. After purchasing and sorting out the desk, chair, stationery and where it will go within the room. No doubt there will be some kind of pin board, inspirational quotes and some art. Pops of colour will be something I look for as the main elements of my home office will be quite mundane looking.
I will keep mostly neutral tones but I do love it when brights are thrown in with it as well. I think it all depends what styles I find the quotes I want to have in. TJLubrano prints will definitely feature, I loooooove her artwork. Stunning designs andd colours (plus she used to have lots of Disney and Harry Potter artwork which I own too). Recently I have purchased several more of TJ’s prints, this time including some quotes, so I think those will be the first to go on display. Then I can buy other designs and quotes that will fit with the colourschemes and feel of the space.
What about you?
How would you design your home office? What are your key elements? Do you already have a home office? Are there any website/store recommendations you have for me?
As this will be my first ever home office I would love your advice. Send me messages or write a comment and let me know your tips 🙂
Hope you are having the best day and taking more steps towards creating your dream life.
This relatively new way of working has become an even more popular since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic. Almost an entire year of being shut in our homes, or at least not able to socialise. Keys workers and many other professionals have been unable to stop going out to work. Many have sadly lost their jobs and tried to survive on furlough or benefits. Those lucky enough have been adapting to working from home throughout. We had a little break of less restrictive rules in between national and local lock downs but the respite did not last long.
With all the weird stuff going on and the additional struggles to cope with, working from home has had additional challenges the last year. It has therefore been a great time to test and work out the best methods on how to do so successfully.
Using this last year as a kind of trial I have come to the conclusion that I would like to work remotely on a more permanent basis in the future. I have been lucky enough to be able to work from home throughout the entire pandemic. Although we are now hopefully at the end of the lock downs, I thought I would share my tips for how I managed to stay (mostly) sane and self-motivated.
1- Get into a working from home routine
Maintain a work day routine. No matter whether you are choosing to work from home or if it is due to the current lock down situation, routines really can help. Whether that’s starting your day with breakfast, a morning run, showering, or just getting out of your pj’s. No matter how tempting it is to stay in your pyjamas, getting up and dressed into some kind of work clothes can really help you get into the right frame of mind for work.
When I have not had the energy to implement my morning routine it has really thrown my day out of whack. It’s amazing how much a morning routine can effect your day.
2- Planning
Knowing your goals for the day, week, month and year can really help with motivation and focus. Plan what you want to achieve within the year, then break that down into monthly and weekly goals. Each morning set out your daily goals and block out your day. Planning out how you will spend your work time is a great way of starting your work day. Block out your day in hour length time slots, one task per slot to optimise focus and include variety. Within your plan include breaks away from the screen and lunch breaks. Knowing the structure of your day down to these specifics will help you to focus on each goal/task one at a time.
3- Exercise around your working from home hours
Before or after work, or even on your lunch break, whenever works best within your routine. When we are cooped up indoors all day it is important to take time to move. During the day make sure you are stretching your legs regularly. Even if it’s just by getting up to go to the loo or to get a drink.
After work you could dedicate an hour block to movement. You could go for a walk around your local area, do yoga or pilates, weight training, HIIT workouts or so many other options. If you need a guide you could download a fitness app, find a virtual class, follow along to a fitness tutorial on YouTube or join a gym (once Covid restrictions permit it). No matter what exercise you do it can help both your physical and mental health. 30 mins every day could make a world of difference to your body in so many ways.
4- Self care
Firstly – be patient with yourself. If you have not worked from home before this may be a difficult transition.
When self care is mentioned it is often thought of as the bubble baths and face mask sessions but at it’s core self care is listening to you body and mind and looking after them. That’s how I see it anyway. Don’t get me wrong, the pamper sessions are lovely, but make sure you’re doing the other self care work too. Getting a chair you will be comfortable sitting in day in, day out. Know what environment you need to focus and work well. Do you need to play music? Sit in silence? Meditate before you sit down at your desk? Listen to your body and try to accommodate it.
5- Social time
Working from home is often a very solitary venture. Even if you are an introvert, having some kind of social time can help your motivation and prevent you feeling isolated. At the moment we are having to stick to virtual socialising but although it is not quite the same, it’s better than no interaction at all and can benefit us hugely.
When we can socialise in person again you could meet someone for a quick coffee. Or you could go out for lunch. It can really help to break up your day. Make plans for your evenings or the weekend. Even if it’s to sit with your furry friend and/or partner on the sofa all day Saturday and binge watch your favourite show.
Having time away from work, out of your house can be a great way to regain energy. It would also reduce isolation and boredom. However, know your limits, listen to your body. Don’t make so many plans that you burn yourself out. We only have 24 hours in a day and you need to be getting enough rest. Find that perfect balance for you, it will be different for everyone.
A natural at working from home
It may take a while to get into a full swing, but using these tips will hopefully help you be able to stay on top of most of the changes and keep up your motivation and energy levels.
What other tips would you give people who are starting to or struggling with WFH?
Future aspirations – putting them out into the universe
Several of the books and podcasts I’ve been reading/listening to recently have mentioned ways to help you achieve your future aspirations. How to live the life you want. I am always willing to have a look how a dream life becomes a reality. Something that was mentioned in most, is the notion of speaking your dreams out into the universe. To be specific in what you want out of life and why. However, you don’t need to know the full story of how, the universe will help you along the way.
As a believer in faith I have always liked this idea. The idea that everything is possible you just have to find the right way of attracting it. A lot of authors and coaches have mentioned that ‘your vibe attracts your tribe’. It also seems to be true to find your life’s calling as well.
Visualising your dreams/future aspirations isn’t going to be enough though. Sadly reading your paragraph about your ideal life every day isn’t going to make it happen.
Can you imagine if that’s all it took? Not quite sure if that would be a good thing or not…
According to the books you have to believe your dream life is already yours. You have to live as if you have already achieved it. Take active steps to get closer to it but keep asking the universe for added assistance as well. The universe may have a better route planned out for you. However, you won’t know unless you give it a try.
Take time to work out what it is you really want out of life and why. Write it down. Tell people. Hold yourself accountable to achieve these dreams. Watch as they come into fruition. I doubt it will be a fast transition, but patience is a virtue after all. All good things come to those who wait (as long as you’re working towards it at the same time). Find your middle ground between wishing on a star and living just to work (think Princess and the Frog).
With all of this in mind I thought I should put my dreams out there. Hold myself accountable. Speak it into the universe and post it to the world wide web. Here goes…
Future employment aspirations
I am a self-employed events planner. Working from home most of the time but networking and attending meetings where it needs to be in person. I have a small team of amazing people around me and a network of incredible businesses and individuals whom I work with regularly. My hours are flexible. I can support my family and take time off when needed. Travelling around the world is a keen hobby of mine. Due to this flexibility I can keep on top of my physical and mental health, this means I am in the best shape to be able to help others.
We mostly cater for weddings but we also plan other celebrations and both private and public events too. Wedding season we are super busy. In the quieter months I use the down time to meet up with new businesses trying to make their way in the world to add to my network. This gives my clients more options and it allows me to expand my network across the UK.
Starting off with the connections I already had in South Wales and the London area, that’s where my initial events were based. As my business grew we were able to start planning events across England and Wales and eventually spread to parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland as well.
My website attracts a high number of visitors every month. Our calendar is booked at least a year in advance in most cases. I have created several online courses, e-books and other products which have proven popular. I am making enough money to pay for home improvements, more holidays and save for my children’s futures. Having my own business has enabled me to support my extended family as well, I have helped them achieve their dreams too.
Future housing aspirations
We live in the country, in a very cosy, yet modern country home. Log cabin-esque on the outside but lots of character on the inside with all the mod cons. We have a huge open hearth in the living room, a shaggy rug and sofas you can lounge on for hours. Due to my kind of employment there is a study/work room in the house. Because of my love of music and to fuel my need to continue singing there is a soundproofed music room as well.
How many of you dream of living somewhere like this?
Outside there are several ‘zones’ of land. We have an allotment where we grow most of our own fruit, vegetables and herbs. A tranquillity garden with a water feature in the middle. There is a lake that runs along the back of our house, we use the water for the gardens and animals and can filter it for our own consumption if we want to. We have noticed a few fish swimming through on a few occasions so we could also catch our dinner too. It’s fun to paddle your feet in and we have had many river days in the summers.
Wildflowers, foxgloves and a willow tree grow in our wildlife garden (among other things). There are bug houses, drinking areas, bird feeders and all sorts to encourage wildlife.
Future family aspirations
I have two children and a loving partner who supports me in my self-employment and constant need to improve my business. We have a dog, two cats and a few chickens. I am tempted to start rearing goats and pigs too but will see what happens there. For many years I have loved the idea of being self sufficient, our home has helped me start that journey.
The children have been very hands on and curious about our allotment and wildlife areas. Both have been active in helping me maintain them since they were very little.
We are able to go on at least two holidays a year and have managed to visit somewhere on every continent. Learning about how other people live and experiencing the different cultures around the world has been incredible. Showing the children first-hand the infinite possibilities they have access to, and seeing how far their imagination and ambition can go, is another wonderful feeling.
My why
After reading what I visualise, you may not see the true reasons behind it. Ultimately? Health and motherhood.
I want to have a healthy relationship with my work, mind, body and my loved ones. Having the ambition to go after what I need out of life and to move forward despite hardships and daily mental battles, I think, would be a great example for my children as well as others around me. This in turn motivates me to make it a reality.
For me to have a healthy relationship with work I need to be able to work flexibly. To have the ability to spend as much time with my family as possible. Take time for my mental health when needed. Be able to go on regular holidays. Creating a healthier work-life balance. Knowing when my own energy needs topping up and when I can help others with theirs.
Having my own business will make this difficult initially due to the huge investments of time, money and energy, I know this. Further down the line it may be difficult as everything will be my responsibility, but that is why I have started my journey now. It gives me time to set up a fledgling business and for it to grow at its own pace. Then I can start hiring my team.
I plan to be working remotely so will be at home with my family and be there when they need me. Hopefully I can have a fully developed business and a small team underneath me before my children grow up too much.
Motherhood
I have always wanted to be a mum. This has been what I’ve believed to be my main purpose in life for many years. Becoming a mum doesn’t necessarily mean the traditional route of getting pregnant and physically bringing new life into the world. There are many different ways a person can become a parent. The universe can decide the best method for me and when the time is right, but I know that it will happen.
I have not written down what kind of parent I will be. In my opinion it will depend on when and how I become a parent, who is supporting me and what each child is like. Also, I see so many videos comparing what people thought they would be like as parents. It is often vastly different from what ended up happening, so I’m going to let that element decide for itself too.
Wanderlust
The last part of my why is travel. I have always longed to explore the world and experience new cultures. Travelling opens your mind, helps your attitude of gratitude and is a great source of knowledge. I’ve always wanted to see as much of the world as possible and to experience that alongside my partner and our children would be an amazing feeling.
My aspirations for the future and the goals I have, I believe, will help my mental health, my self belief and confidence. Plus the more cultures, life styles, people and ideas I can observe and learn about (and from), the more influences I can choose from in the events I create for my clients.
Do you have goals set for your future? What do you visualise? What are your reasons why?
